(Revised in May 2023)

Code of Practice
for
Rodent Management

October 2022

By
Pest Control Advisory Section
Food and environmental Hygiene Department

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Contents Page

Page Cover – Code of Practice for Rodent Management 1

Contents 2-3

1. Introduction 4-5

2. Strategy of Rodent Management 5

3. Control Strategy 5

3.1 Rodent proofing 6

3.2 Removal of food sources 6
3.3 Removal of harbourage 6
3.4 Direct control - Trapping 6
3.5 Direct control – Poisonous baiting 6-7

4. Integrated Rodent Management 7

4.1 On-site inspection 7-8

4.2 Tools used during the on-site inspection 8
4.3 Proofing 8-9
4.3.1 Removal of harbourage 9
4.3.2 Physical barrier 9-10
4.3.3 Removal of food and water 11

5. Rodent Control by Using Traps 11-12

5.1 Lethal traps 12

5.2 Wire cage traps 12
5.3 Sticky traps/glue traps 12-13
5.4 Positioning the traps 13
5.5 Number of traps to be used 13
5.6 Baits for traps 13-14
5.7 Trapping period 14
5.8 Courtesy and warning to occupiers 14
5.9 Frequency of inspection 14-15

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 5.10 Handling captured rodents 15

6. Rodent Control by Using Rodenticides 15

6.1 Selecting a rodenticide 15-16

6.2 First- and second-generation anticoagulants 16-17
6.3 Rodenticide formulations 17

7. Poison Baiting Strategies 18

7.1 Use of bait stations 18
7.2 Block control (area control) 19
7.2.1 Pulse baiting 19
7.2.2 Burrow/hole baiting 19
7.2.3 Surface baiting 20
7.3 Monitoring 20
7.4 Replacement of poison baits 20-21

8. Annex 1 22-23

9. Annex 2 24-40

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1. Introduction

Rodents have been closely associated with humans, they cause damage of our properties and
risk of our health for many centuries. There are three important commensal rodent species
distributed worldwide, namely Rattus norvegicus (Sewer Rat), Rattus rattus (Roof Rat) and
Mus musculus (House Mouse). All these rodent species can be found in Hong Kong.

Rodents are implicated in the spread of several diseases that are of great public health
importance. They serve as reservoirs of infectious diseases or carriers of transmittable
diseases. Important diseases such as plague, hantaviral infection, rickettsial diseases and
leptospirosis are transmitted by rodents or their ectoparasites. The University of Hong
Kong also reported that there is a type of virus, called “rat Hepatitis E virus”, which is believed
to have transmitted from rats to a few immunocompromised persons in Hong Kong since
2018, although the exact route(s) of virus transmission (e.g. direct transmission or faecal-oral
route) from commensal rodents to human is yet to be confirmed.

Rodents, apart from spreading several rodent borne diseases to human, also cause nuisance.
Their gnawing behavior causes economic damage to structural and household items. Both
rats and mice are known to cause damage through gnawing of insulation, PVC ducting, wood
works, plastics, and even soft metal. Rodents may also cause structural damage and
undermine buildings, floors, and flowerbeds through their extensive burrowing. Gnawing
through electrical wires is common, and potentially highly hazardous, and has been linked to
both power and telecommunications blackouts, and even building and vehicle fires. In
addition, the short oestreus cycle and gestation period enable the rodent to proliferate
rapidly. Thus, rodents can increase their population rapidly when no rodent control
measure is present. Ineffective control of rodents can therefore threaten lives and cause
severe damage to local economy.

In addition to the above mentioned, society’s expectations as to what constitutes safe and
humane rodent control has changed dramatically in the past decades. For example, the
prohibition of the use of rodent sticky traps in Australia, and restrictions placed on their use
in Tasmania. Similarly, cage traps now require daily inspection in Victoria, Australia.

As a consequence of these expectations and the fact that animal welfare is a continually
evolving concern, there is an obvious need to define best practice rodent management
procedures for Codes of Practices for Rodent Management in Hong Kong.

Successful control of rodents relies on concerted efforts of relevant stakeholders including

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pest control operators in both public and private sectors, management of venues such as
residential and commercial buildings, creational facilities, markets, restaurants, etc. This
Code of Practice aims at providing relevant stakeholders, particularly property managements,
with necessary technical information to facilitate and better their rodent prevention and
control work.

2. Strategy of Rodent Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach should be adopted when dealing with
rodent infestation problem. All available rodent management strategies and not simply
rely on the use of rodenticides, having good sanitation in conjunction with effective
rodent preventive measure provides better control than by using poisonous baits and
cage traps alone. Relying on rodenticides alone does not guarantee that the infestation
will always be eradicated and, if employed by default, may omit other control measures
with a greater likelihood of success. It is obvious that the growth of rodent population
heavily depends on the availability of food, harbourage, and dispersal routes. When
these survival criteria are limited in the environment, rodent population can hardly
proliferate. However, rodent population is dynamic and will rebound swiftly whenever
the environment is suitable for their survival. Improvements to environmental factors
should always be implemented to provide an effective long-term control effect.

In addition, each site is different and will require a different set of measures, either to
prevent rodent infestation or to remove an infestation. A considered management
measure may present a low risk at one site, but a higher risk at another. It is important
to develop a specific strategy for individual site by conducting thorough inspection to
apprehend rodent activities.

3. Control Strategy

The main concept of control strategy should be IPM, that is, to implement all possible
effective control measures with the lowest risk first. All methods must be considered
before an effective solution is achieved. However, it is not necessary that all methods in the
tool box are implemented sequentially, or at all. The success of the control strategy is to
find out the best combination of control measures with the least hazard to the environment.

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3.1 Rodent proofing

Rodent proofing is a series of physical control measures to prevent the dispersal of rodents,
e.g. intrusion into buildings, dispersal within building. It is generally regarded as a long-term
solution to rodent problems and are usually without adverse impacts. Such measures
should always be implemented at the first priority and is essential in successful rodent control
strategy.

3.2 Removal of food sources

Preventing rodent’s access to food and water in the environment will greatly increase on the
success of a rodent control program and should always be implemented over the times. The
effect is more significant that lack of food sources will help to deter rodents from a site, and
it will encourage them to take up any baits that are introduced.

3.3 Removal of harbourage

In order to discourage rodent infestations, all debris, rubbish, old machinery, disused
articles and equipment, should be removed or cleared timely. Vegetation around
buildings should be cleared whenever possible. On the other hand, a buffer zone
immediate surrounds of buildings by concreted or paved to prevent rodent burrowing
should always be implemented as far as possible.

3.4 Direct control – Trapping

Traps could be a choice when the use of rodenticides is not feasible. Care must be taken
to ensure traps do not pose a risk to non-target species, especially when placing traps
outside of buildings.

When selecting lethal-traps, only those traps providing instant kill which meeting the
humane standard should be considered. In contrary, when selecting live-capture traps,
all set traps should be inspected at least daily. Besides, captured live rodents should also
be killed in a humane way only.

3.5 Direct control – Poisonous baiting

The use of rodenticides presents the potential risk to people, non-target animals and the

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environment and, rodenticides have been found in the dead bodies of stray dogs
occasionally. As such, rodenticides should be used after when all environmental factors on
sites have been fully considered.

All rodenticides are poisonous and must be used strictly in accordance with the product
label as approved by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). Where
necessary and practicable, rodenticides should be contained within locked, tamper-
resistant bait stations that are secured in place.

In situations where rodenticides are being employed, special attention must be taken to
ensure that the bait and the bait stations do not contaminate any kind of fresh water
sources.

Additional guidance on poison baiting strategies can be found in later part of this Code of
Practice.

4 Integrated Rodent Management

Integrated Rodent Management implies a combination approach to rodent management that

relies on an understanding of the ecology of rodent, in particular, those factors which favour
its development, and makes use of non-chemical approaches that modifies the environment
less suited to rodent proliferation. Rodenticides have to be used in judicious and
environment sensitive ways. Actions should be further determined and supported with a
thorough and comprehensive site inspection.

4.1 On-site inspection

A thorough on-site inspection is essential in identifying the area and extent of the rodent
problem in the environment that the issue has been reported or detected.

Identifying the species of rodent, areas affected by the rodent(s), and any food and/or
water sources will be essential indicators for any proposed monitoring or treatment
plan.

This can be achieved by locating and quantifying the following during the inspection:

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 Any live rodents observed; and

 Droppings: shape, size and colour (Annex 1);

 Tracking (footprints), or smear (Annex 1);

 Burrows or holes in and around both natural and fabricated areas, internal and
external (Annex 1);
 Gnawing marks (Annex 1);

 Whether rodents are using the area for transit or harbourage, or if there is loss of
food or spoilage of food stuffs and other stored items;

 Smells, sounds, and previous observations; and

 Nesting materials.

4.2 Tools used during the on-site inspection

The following list of tools and equipment are useful for carrying out an effective inspection:

 Torch (including a ‘black-light’ ultraviolet torch);

 Ladder;

 Appropriate protective clothing and equipment (e.g. overalls, a pair of goggles, rubber
gloves, safety helmet, knee/elbow pads);

 Non-toxic tracking powder/boards;

 Mirror/camera; and

 Remote mirror/camera extension arm for reaching difficult to access areas.

4.3 Exclusion

Methods of exclusion can include, but are not limited to, the below methods:

 Removal of overgrown vegetation and possible harbourage material and disused

articles;

 Building physical barriers by installing screens with metal mesh capping, wire mesh,

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 door sweeps and weather seals to exclude rodents from area of ingress;

 Clearing areas which will expose to rodents or destroying their food, shelter and
breeding environment.

All of these methods should be considered in a thorough on-site inspection.

4.3.1 Removal of harbourage

Keeping a high standard of environmental sanitation and rodent harbourage is either

eliminated or kept to the minimum, such will always prove of the greatest value in
preventing rodent infestation.

Harbourage reduction can include, but is not limited to:

 Removal of rubbish, disused articles and clutter;

 Tidying equipment piles and rotation or removal of long-term stored goods and boxes
regularly;

 Sealing voids and excavations made by rodents;

 Regularly trimming surrounding bushland, long-grassed fields, and vegetation in

flowerbeds;

 Keeping outbuildings and sheds well maintained;

 Ensuring service voids are accessible;

 Regularly clearing or flushing drains, gutters, sewers and septic tanks; and
 Filling or covering rat-holes, potential rat-holes and any other small openings with
rodent proofed material (e.g. fine concrete, cement mortar, 20-gauge sheet or barbed
wire ball etc.).

4.3.2 Physical barrier

There are many ways by which rodents may enter buildings, and a very thorough search is
necessary to locate all possible means of entry.

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Building physical barrier can include, but is not limited to:

 Replacing broken or missing gratings with rodent proofed screens (spacing between
grating is no larger than 6 mm);

 Screening ventilation grids and other similar openings either with 6 mm mesh, 24-
gauge, expanded metal or with galvanized steel woven wire cloth of 22 S.W.G. at
about seven meshes to the inch (25.4 mm);

 Repairing or renewing space beneath doorways result from worn steps;

 Protecting wooden doors at the bottom by fitting a 20-gauge metal ‘kicking-plate’, at
least 300 mm high, on the outside (maximum clearance of 6 mm);

 Fixing a similar metal plate to the door frames to form a continuous band of metal;
 Sealing all opening and passings for pipes, wires, and ducts through walls;

 Spacing vertical pipes at least 100 mm apart, and with at least 100 mm between pipes
and wall; and

 Installing rat guard (Fig. 1) made of 20-gauge metal and diameter of at least 550 mm
around vertical pipe (space between the rat guard and the pipe should not be larger
than 6 mm).

Collar held against

pipe by tightening
bolt and band

45°

550 mm

Fig. 1 Specification of Rat Guard

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4.3.3 Removal of food and water

Attention should be paid to the storage and disposal of anything which could be taken by
rodents as food. This may include:

 Regular and frequent removal of rubbish, food waste, and excess or out of date stock;
 Using metal or plastic dust-bins or receptacles with well fitted covers;

 Regular cleaning of food production zones at the end of each shift and/or production
run;
 Adoption of a ‘first in, first out’ (‘FIFO’) approach to the storage and handling of both raw
materials and finished products in food manufacturing facilities;
 Containment and good storage practices of all food and water sources that are an
attractant to the area of activity. (e.g. food bowls, BBQ’s, rubbish bins, birdfeeders etc.);
and
 Keeping food for human consumption in metal or glass containers with well fitted covers.

All of these methods should be considered in a thorough site inspection. A list of commonly
used rodent proofing measures are listed in Annex 2.

5. Rodent Control by Using Traps

With an increasing focus on integrated pest management, non-chemical tools for rodent
management are becoming more important. There are several cost-effective non-toxic
approaches available to monitor and control rodents. Traps are the preferred method of
killing and capturing rodents in situations where the use of rodenticides is considered
undesirable.

Trapping has several advantages, in that rodents can be easily removed from the site without
leaving chemical residues, success is immediately evident, counts of trapped rodents can be
readily tracked, flexibility in food choice for baiting the traps, and in many instances may
facilitate the eradication of an infestation without resorting to the use of rodenticides.

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The location of traps should be noted and recorded on a site map to facilitate follow-up
actions.

5.1 Lethal traps

The advantage for using lethal traps is that the traps can provide instant kill for rodents. For
ideal results, traps are placed in rodent runways and:

 Snap/Break-back traps for rats should be baited daily but unset for a few days before
setting them.
 Snap/Break-back traps for mice should always be baited and set on the first day that
they are laid. As newly weaned mice are extremely light in weight, it is important to
set these traps finely so that the least touch on the treadle can trigger the trap.

When human activity and non-target animals present on the site for traps being laid, all traps
should be placed in tamper-resistant stations and the stations should be firmly anchored by
screws or cables/wires.

5.2 Wire cage traps

Wire cage traps/Multiple-catch traps for rats and mice should be baited and set on the first
day that they are laid. In general, wire cage traps found in the local markets are not
designed for trapping mice. The size of the cage/multiple-catch traps must be smaller than
331 mm in length, 181 mm in width or 156 mm in height.

5.3 Sticky traps/Glue traps

Only when countering heavy rodent infestation where other rodent control methods have
been exhausted without satisfactory results, sticky traps/glue traps may be considered as a
tool to supplement the rodent control programme. They should not be set outdoor or in
areas with possible activities of other non-target animals, e.g. birds, cats and reptiles, etc.
Consideration may be given to enclosing the sticky trap/glue trap in a lockable, temper-
resistant rodent station or dedicated rodent sticky trap/glue trap tunnel for complete
protection against non-target animals. Frequent inspections should be arranged to each
sticky trap/glue trap laid and any trapped rodent shall be handled of immediately in a
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humane manner. The carcass should be properly handled as soon as possible. The use of
sticky traps/glue traps should be suspended as soon as the situation of rodent infestation is
alleviated. (added in May 2023)

5.4 Positioning the traps

Rats and mice feel safe by moving close to vertical surface such as wall, rather than across
open areas. Snap traps should therefore be placed at right angle to the vertical surface
against which rodents are known or suspected to run. Traps should extend from a vertical
surface at a right angle, with the trigger end nearly touching the vertical surface. If traps
are set parallel to the vertical surface, set them in pairs, with the triggers situated to
intercept rodents coming from either direction.

When cage traps are used, they should also be placed similarly at right angles with the open
of the trap facing the vertical surface or if set parallel to the vertical surface, they should be
set back to back in pairs. Whenever possible, setting rat cages firmly on ground. The
position for traps should be carefully chosen, and traps should remain in the same position
throughout each trapping period. For best results, traps should be placed 1 m apart for
mice and 1-2 m apart for rats.

5.5 Number of traps to be used

For best results, a thorough inspection is needed to ascertain the locations of rodent
harbourage and movement. Base on the result of the inspection, as many traps as possible
and reasonable should be laid. It is suggested that at least six traps should be laid for one
or two rodents.

5.6 Baits for traps

Rats are omnivorous, consuming a great variety of food. Rattus norvegicus loves sweet and
oily food. Baits of proven acceptability include bacon, peanut (groundnut) butter, sweet
potato, fresh, smoked or dried fish, ground meat or bread for Rattus norvegicus and nuts,
meat, apple, carrots or bread for Rattus rattus. Mice, Mus musculus, always prefer cereal
grains and seeds. Other baits proved to give good results might also be used for trapping.
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Fresh baits should be used as far as possible. Baits that dry out or spoil should be replaced
immediately by fresh ones.

Mixed baits, in a certain extent, can minimize the impacts of environmental factors, human
practices or variations in rodent behavior on the efficiency of traps during the rodent
trapping exercises. As food preference of rodents varies from time to time and place to
place, the best combination of food baits for a particular location needs to be tested.
However, the list of food baits preferred in a location does not guarantee similar
attractiveness to rodents in another location. Trials on different food baits should be
conducted in any trapping operation at individual location to find out the preferred
combination of food baits.

5.7 Trapping period

With both rats and mice, it is better to carry out repeated trapping programme with a large
number of traps laid for a few days, rather than distribute scattered traps over a wide area
for a longer period. For a trapping programme, traps should be laid for at least five
consecutive nights.

5.8 Courtesy and warning to occupiers

Whenever traps are laid, adequate warning must be courteously given to responsible
occupiers – both to avoid injuries to people and animals, touching laid traps with bare hands,
touching excreta of rodent and to advise against interference with traps. Pest control
operator is responsible for taking appropriate action to see that this is done both verbally
and with the issue of whatever forms, notices and letters are available for this purpose.

5.9 Frequency of inspection

The common recommended frequency of inspection for traps varies around the world, with
intervals of between daily to twice-daily. If non-target animal is accidentally captured during
rodent trapping operations, release the animal at a safe location. When sticky traps/glue
traps are used, the frequency of inspection should be increased. Internationally
recommended inspection interval range from hourly to every 12-hour. If the captured non-
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target animal is or suspected to be injured, contact Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (SPCA) at their emergency hotline 2711 1000 for assistance. (added in May 2023)

5.10 Handling captured rodents

When selecting lethal traps or killing a live rodent in cage, the most humane ways available
should be used. Killing method by breaking upper cervical vertebrate is considered the
most efficient and humane way, since damage to the upper cervical vertebrae is more likely
to result in immediate loss of consciousness.

Gassing with carbon dioxide (CO2) may be an alternative method to kill rodent euthanasia
due to the minimal handling required and the possibility of euthanizing several rodents at
the same time. Rodents should either be removed from the trap or placed into a container
to be filled with CO2, or remain in holding traps, which are then enclosed within an
impervious container or plastic sack.

Only CO2 delivered from a compressed gas cylinder must be used. Gas flow should be
delivered using a gradual-fill method and must be maintained for several minutes. The
rodent(s) must be left in the gas-filled container for a minimum of ten minutes for effective
euthanasia to occur. Death must be confirmed after ten minutes and dislocate upper
cervical vertebrate of unconscious rodent by tong or a strong metal bar whenever necessary.

6. Rodent Control by Using Rodenticides

Only registered rodenticides should be used. Always refer to AFCD-approved product labels
and for full directions of use and precautions provided by the manufacturer.

6.1 Selecting a rodenticide

When selecting a rodenticide for use in and around buildings, several criteria should be
considered:

 Which rodent species are present (Norway rat, roof rat or house mouse)?
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 How large is the rodent population?

 Where are the rodents’ harbourages and runways?

 Are there foodstuffs stored or manufactured nearby?

 Are non-target animals or children at risk?

 What is the possibility of secondary poisoning on the site, such as animals

eating poisoned rodents?

 What is the relative toxicity of the various baiting options?

 What is likely to be the most attractive (smell) and palatable (taste) rodent bait
available, considering what the rodents are consuming on-site?

The first four criteria should be dealt with during the initial inspection and discussion with
the client.

Where either primary or secondary toxicity is a concern, non-toxic eradication strategies

must be considered first (refer to the Risk Management in Section 3) before rodenticide
baiting is considered. If rodenticide baiting is required to achieve eradication, further
consideration must be given to the baiting strategy (see Section 7). It should not be
assumed that first-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides, second-generation anti-
coagulant rodenticides, or pro-hormone rodenticides (cholecalciferol) pose any less risk
than each other from the perspective or primary or secondary poisoning risk.

The attractiveness of rodenticide baits will vary from population to population and may
even change during the course of the year in response to the feeding habits of the
population being targeted. Preferred rodenticide bait option should be used but, in
situations where rodenticide bait is not taken, alternative measures must be considered.

6.2 First- and second-generation anticoagulants

Anticoagulants disrupt the mechanism that controls blood-clotting and cause fatal internal
haemorrhages to develop. Their action is cumulative and most of them need to be ingested
over a period of several days to be effective. The main advantage is primary and secondary
poisoning hazards to non-target species are generally reduced and if accidental poisoning of
human or animals does occur, an effective antidote, vitamin K, is available. Even so,
accidentally poisoning to non-target species (e.g. stray dogs) are occasionally reported
locally, the utmost care should be taken in their application.
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First-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (e.g. warfarin, diphacinone and coumatetralyl)
also called ‘multiple-dose’ rodenticides, are a group of anticoagulants that were developed
before 1970. These compounds are much more toxic to rodents when feeding occurs on
several successive days rather than on one day only.

The second-generation anticoagulants rodenticides were developed to control rodents

that had developed resistance to first generation anticoagulant rodenticides. Examples
of them are including brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, difenacoum and
flocoumafen.

Second-generation anticoagulants rodenticides are able to achieve a lethal dose after only a
single feeding, although a delayed action still occurs, with death occurring 3-5 days after
ingestion. This delayed effect greatly reduces the risk of bait aversion within a population
and maximises effective control of rodent infestations.

6.3 Rodenticide formulations

Different rodenticide formulations are available in commercial markets. The choice of

which rodenticide formulation to be used can be informed and determined by:

 The nature of the site (e.g. whether a loose grain or pellet formulation can be used
or if a securable formulation is required); and

 The dietary requirements and/or feeding preferences of the rodent population present.

Rodenticide block baits, pellets and soft baits are the most commonly used formulations
since they can be secured inside lockable, tamper-resistant bait stations and have certain
degree of water resistant, and then could be used to combat rodent infestation inside sewer
system. Although block baits, pellets and soft baits have certain degree of weather proof,
food and flavors preserved in wax base may decrease the acceptability to rodent, thus
clearance of food sources is the way to encounter the adverse effect. Cereal baits are also
commonly used formulation in local rodent control industries, however, they are more easily
affected by weather conditions, such as rainfall and humidity.

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7. Poison Baiting Strategies

Brodifacoum and Bromadiolone are the two second generation rodenticides commonly
used by local pest control operators, both of them are a ready-to-use bait in form of small
pellets or wax blocks. Pellets/blocks containing 0.005% brodifacoum/bromadiolone
should be packed in thin PVC bags punched with a number of holes before laying them at
target sites whereas each bag of bait pellets should weigh not more than 15 g. Each bait
pack is sufficient for killing two to three rats. The thin PVC bag could prevent the bait
pellets/blocks from being scattered and provide some protection from moisture. It is
not recommended to mix ready-to-use rodenticides, e.g. brodifacoum with any other
food sources with an aim to enhance the attractiveness of the rodenticides to rodent as
it might also increase the attractiveness to other non-target animals causing accidental
uptake by non-target animals. In general, it is not advisable to hang bait pack above
ground but if hanging bait pack above ground is unavoidable (due to regular street
washing that might spoil the rodenticides), the bait pack should not be hanged at a height
greater than 5 cm above ground and only do so in places not frequently visited by human
or other non-target animals. In addition, the site conditions, available food sources and
the rodent species targeted will often determine the choice of rodenticide and bait
formulation to be used (e.g. pellets, block, soft bait). In case rodent bait stations are used
for containing rodenticides, they should always be placed in compliance with the product
label instructions.

7.1 Use of bait boxes

Utilising lockable, tamper-resistant bait boxes to secure safe use of rodenticides.

Well designed bait boxes fulfil several functions in effective rodent management, they
should:

 Protect bait from moisture and dust; and

 Allow rodents to feel more secure; and

 Help keep non-target species, including pets, wildlife and children, away from
rodenticides; and
 Help prevent accidental spillage; and

 Offer pest control operators easy access, making it simpler to determine the amount
of bait consumed, and need of refill.
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7.2 Block control (area control)

The principle of block control is to determine a “block” where it could be a building block,
an individual floor of a building and/or an area surrounded by physical barriers (such as
lanes, roads, streets, etc.). The advantage of block control is that a large area is able to
be divided into smaller blocks and rodent disinfestation could be eliminated phase by
phase. If the entire territory of a colony of rodent is covered in the operation, it would
largely slow-down re-invasion of rodent from nearby. Pulse baiting will be the major
methods to combat rodent infestation within the defined blocks.

7.2.1 Pulse baiting

Pulse baiting are used to remove existing infestations of rats and mice. Single dose
anticoagulants (second generation of anticoagulants) is suggested for pulse baiting as
frequent inspection generally is not required. Rodenticides are placed in bait boxes
and/or placed directly in rodent burrows.

For the best result, poison baits need to be inspected regularly, particularly in the first ten
working days (first two weeks) and any bait that has been consumed, together with any
contaminated or spoiled bait should be replaced on time.

Baiting is performed for at least 2 weeks (3 to 4 pulses), and it is usually necessary to reduce
rat or mouse numbers to a low level. Although heavy infestations may require longer
treatments to achieve complete eradication.

Treatment is discontinued when effective control has been achieved and all poison baits
should be removed, unless a maintenance treatment is to be undertaken (see below). This
strategy will ensure that after the dominant rodents have been eliminated, bait is still
available for the less dominant individuals.

7.2.2 Burrow/hole baiting

Rodenticide baits can be placed deep into burrows to avoid access by non-target species.
It is recommended to leave the burrow open to allow the rodents to enter/exit with
regularity. After 2-3 weeks, seal the hole with crumpled paper, leaves, or other light
debris as a means to assess the level of rodent activity.

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7.2.3 Surface baiting

All rodenticide baits must be placed in lockable, tamper-resistant bait stations and secured
to prevent removal or dislodgement and/or access to the stations by unauthorized
persons or non-target species. Bait packs are to be evenly distributed in the target area
and the application rate is about 15kg/ha. Sufficient number of warning notices should
be displayed to aware the attention to people who living nearby.

7.3 Monitoring

In general situation, the use of non-toxic monitoring baits and/or traps is recommended
to monitor for the early presence of rodents.

Where the prevention of rodent infestation is considered essential to maintaining the

integrity of safe food production or the prevention of risks to human health, permanent
placement of rodenticides may be granted.

If rodent number escalates, revert to pulse baiting. This may mean increasing the
number of rodent bait stations on a temporary basis and/or increasing the bait available
in each station.

7.4 Replacement of poisonous baits

If rodenticide baits are made with fresh, food grade ingredients, they will diminish in
palatability and attractiveness over time.

There are no formal guidelines for the routine replacement of baits, as their deterioration
will vary under different environmental conditions. For instance, in warm, damp
environments, high humidity levels may significantly shorten the life of rodent baits leading
to a requirement for more frequent replacement. Whereas in cool, dry locations field
effectiveness may be prolonged. Thus, there is no golden rule to define a standardised
timeline of bait replacement.

It is critical therefore, that if rodenticides are being used to eliminate a rodent population
that fresh and palatable bait is made continuously available to the rodents. Pest control
operators should inspect bait placement at least weekly and subjectively assess if the bait
requires replacement. In the absence of any consumption or gnawing by rodents, other
signs that the bait requires replacement and increase the frequency of inspection may
20
include:

 The presence of mould; or

 Cockroach, beetle, or other insect-related damage; or

 Slug or snail damage; or

 Evidence of water submersion or damage; or

 Discolouration or physical disintegration of the bait; or

 Evidence of heat exposure or melting; or

 Regular exposure or contamination from on-site sources (e.g. chemical spills, fumes).

It is useful to note that the level of active ingredient, particularly with anticoagulants, does
not decrease significantly over time. It is the deterioration of the food ingredients that
affects the palatability and attractiveness of the bait.

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 Annex 1

The three common rodent droppings of Rattus norvegicus (right), Rattus rattus (centre) and
Mus musculus (left).

Examples of rat smears found on the pipe and on the metal louver.

Examples of rodent footprints on soft soil and

a rat hole found in top right corner.

22
Examples of rat holes found in flower bed and at road side.

Examples of gnawing marks found on a wooden door and a plastic container.

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 Annex 2
Rodent problems commonly observed locally

Item Problem found Possible improvement works

Flower bed and vegetation

1 Wall of flower bed too low or with  Wall of flower bed should be at least 1 m
protruding structure/uneven surface. high with smooth external surface without
any protrusion.

 Cover soil surface with gravels to a

thickness between 5 cm to 8 cm.

2 Weep hole of flower bed could be  Screen weep holes with grating of aperture
encroached by rodent as rat holes. not greater than 6 mm.

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3 Low rise dense vegetation covering the soil  High rise vegetation exposing the soil surface
surface is vulnerable to rodent intrusion is preferable.
and make detection of rodent infestation
difficult.

4 Boulders or other ornamental structure  Avoid setting boulders or other ornamental

may provide sheltered void for burrowing
of rodents.
structure in flower bed.
 Surround the base of boulders or
ornamental structure with pebbles or
gravels.
 Regular inspections to identify any suspected
rat holes and take prompt rodent control
action whenever rodent sign confirmed.

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5 Extensive root system of trees, e.g. banyan
create natural harbourage for easy
burrowing of rodents.
Animal / Bird cages
6 The landscape structure of animal/bird
cages is very susceptible to intrusion and
harbouraging of rodents. The soft soil
surface is very receptacle burrowing. The
 Avoid planting of banyan trees or bamboos.
 Expose the roots of the tree by removing
vegetation nearby for easy inspection and
removal of refuse.
 Plug holes/voids in-between roots by wire
mesh ball or other feasible materials.
 Regular inspections to identify any suspected
rat holes and take prompt rodent control
action whenever rodent sign confirmed
 Construct the landscape foundation with
concrete and cover with shallow soil layer to
prevent burrowing of rodents.
26
 presence of boulders and other concrete
structure provide sheltered voids for
borrowing of rodents.
7 Unattended animal/bird feed privide
rodents with handy food source.
27
 Avoid setting boulders or other ornamental
structure on soil surface.
 Surround the base of boulders or ornamental
structure with pebbles or gravels.
 Regular inspection to identify any suspected
rat holes and take prompt rodent control
actions whenever rodent sign confirmed.
 Residue of animal/bird feed must be
removed promptly after feeding and should
not be left unattended.
 For feeding of bird, it may consider hanging
up container with feed above ground level
with a height not less than 1 m to avoid
access of rodents.
 A rat guard with diameter not less than 550
mm should be fixed at the hanging material
not less than 1 m from the feeding container.
8 Dense vegetation around animal/bird cage
provide harbouraging places for rodents
for easy access into the animal/bird cages
for food.
9 Drain hole provides rodents with entrance
for intrusion into animal/bird cages for
food or harbourages.
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 Avoid planting of dense vegetation around
animal/bird cages.
 Wire mesh of animal/bird cages should be
rodent proofed either with 6 mm (1/4 in.)
mesh, 24-gauge, expanded metal or with
galvanized steel woven wire cloth of 22
S.W.G. at about seven meshes to the inch
(25.4 mm).
 A buffer zone at least 30 cm made of rodent
proof material, such as concrete, are
suggested to be installed outside animal/bird
cages
 Screen opening/drain holes with 6 mm (1/4
in.) mesh, 24-gauge, expanded metal or with
galvanized steel woven wire cloth of 22
S.W.G. at about seven meshes to the inch
(25.4 mm) should be installed to drain hole
connected to animal/bird cages.
 Screen opening/drain holes with 6 mm (1/4
in.) mesh, 24-gauge, expanded metal or with
galvanized steel woven wire cloth of 22
S.W.G. at about seven meshes to the inch
(25.4 mm).
10 Soil surface around pond/pool provide  Pave the surround areas of pond/pool with
rodent with borrowing gound. concrete.
 If surface channel is unavoidable, install 6
mm (1/4 in.) mesh, 24-gauge, expanded
metal or with galvanized steel woven wire
cloth of 22 S.W.G. at about seven meshes to
the inch (25.4 mm) underneath the gratings.
 Avoid setting boulders or other ornamental
structure in immediate surroundings of
pond/pool.

11 Broken wall of animal/bird cage allows  Regular inspections to surroundings of

easy intrusion of rodents. animal/bird cages to identify defective
structure for prompt follow up actions.

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Others
12 Ventilation louvres on door/wall of switch
room/plant room provide rodents with
access to the switch room/plant room for
harbourages.
13 Void deployment of underneath raised
container office block that provides
rodents with harbourages and also
accumulates refuse that serve as food
source for rodents.
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 Install 6 mm (1/4 in.) mesh, 24-gauge,
expanded metal or with galvanised steel
woven wire cloth of 22 S.W.G. at about
seven meshes to the inch (25.4 mm) behind
the ventilation louver (inner side of the
door/wall).
 Fitting a 20-guage metal plate to cover the
void to prevent access of rodents.
14 Imporper storage of construction materials  Construction materials and waste should be
and waste invites rodent infestation and
provide harbourages for rodents.
15 Refuse collection bins in close proximity to
flower bed or vegetation allow easy access
to food sources.
properly stored in rodent-proofed
environment. Hoarding boards should be
closely placed to avoid any gap of side
greater than 6 mm allowing passage of
rodents.
 Storage of construction materials and waste
should not be located at close proximity to
flower bed or refuse collection facilities.
 Construction materials and waste should be
removed or moved regularly to avoid
prolong storage.
 The number of refuse collection bins should
be kept at minimal and set at locations with
clear distance from flower beds and
vegetation or other potential rodent
harbourages, e.g. switch rooms.
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16 Decaying remain of tree may develop as  Remain of tree should be removed
an ideal harbourage of rodent. completely soonest possible.
 For temporary measure, tree hole found on
ground should be sealed with small boulders
or any other rodent proof material, e.g.
cement.

17 Piping/ducting proving free runways for  Install rat guards with materials with rodent
rodents at ceiling and between ceiling and proofs and the size not smaller than 55 cm at
floor areas. vertical pipes leading to ceilings.

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  Wrap pipes/ducts with barbed wire at
intervals to discourage dispersal of rodents.

18 Improper installation of rat guard.  Rat guard should be installed in a proper

location that at least 1 m above the nearest
object.
 It should also be installed at a position that
result at a maximum blockage of rodent
activities.

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Side branches of piping lets the rodent by-
pass the rat guard.

Rat guards installed too near to platform

underneath.

The size of rat guard is too small to screen

34
 rodent.
19 Rat guard is not sealed properly.  Gap wider than 6 mm should not be allowed
and should be sealed with rodent-proof
materials.

20 False ceilings provide rodents with  Remove false ceilings in markets and cooked
concealed runways and harbourages. food markets inside market complexes.

21 Vertical pillars could facilitate rodent  A clear zone of at least 1 m high should be
communication between ceiling and floor maintained between the ceiling and the
areas. nearest articles surrounding the pillar.
 Rat guards should be installed on
pipes/ducts.

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22 Rodent could access through door gaps Install 20 gauge metal kicking plates up to 30
wider than 6 mm. cm high from the bottom and fit to the ground
that the door gap not greater than 6 mm.

23 Easy access of rodents through louvers on  Install screens with 6 mm meshes,

doors of refuse collection rooms, store galvanized steel woven wire-cloths of 22
rooms, service rooms, etc. S.W.G. at about 6 mm meshes.
 Threshold clearance should be lowered to
less than 6 mm.

24 Passings of ducts/pipes through wall  Block up all holes or voids by galvanised

provide free runways for rodents from wire-nettings/balls especially those
room to room or stall to stall. passings from room to room or from floor
to floor.
 Seal all chunks properly on both ends with
galvanised wire-netting/balls or any other
rodent proofing materials.

36
25 Surface channels provide rodents with  Install wire meshes of apertures not less than
concealed runways for dispersion. 6 mm underneath the surface channel to
prevent access of rodents.

26 Articles accumulated on top of stalls  A clear zone of at least 1 m vertical distance

provide rodents with harbourages as well should be maintained between the lowest
as easy access to ceiling area for further ceiling pipes/ducts and nearest articles to
dispersal. prevent rodents from jumping up and down
the ceiling pipes/ducts and nearby articles.

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27 Service rooms could become habourages  Install screens with 6 mm meshes,
of rodents which allow easy access to the galvanised steel woven wire-cloths of 22
markets for food. S.W.G. at about 6 mm meshes.

28 Drain openings could be accessed by  Install screens with 6 mm meshes,

rodents. galvanised steel woven wire-cloths of 22
S.W.G. at about 6 mm meshes.
 Install wire meshes of apertures not less
than 6 mm underneath the surface
channels to prevent access of rodents or
replace gratings of surface channel with
gaps smaller than 6 mm.

29 Accumulation of articles around food  Promptly remove unused articles.

stalls.

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30 Weep holes not protected by grating.  Plug with crumpled wire netting or equip
with gratings with aperture not more than 6
mm

31 Drain hole at the bottom of refuse  Plug with crumpled wire netting or gratings
collection bin which allows easy access to with aperture not more than 6 mm.
food inside.

32 Drain pipes were not screened by metal  Pipes were screened by metal meshes.
meshes. Screen with 6 mm mesh, 24 gauge, expanded
metal or galvanised steel woven wire cloth of
22 S.W.G.

39
33 Underground facilities that provide access
point for rodent.
34 Underground piping/wiring find in meter
room providing entry points for rodent.
40
 Install rodent proof meshes to all possible
access points of rodent with 6 mm mesh, 24
gauge, expanded metal or galvanised steel
woven wire cloth of 22 S.W.G. at about 6 mm
meshes.
 Install rodent proof meshes to all possible
access points of rodent with 6 mm mesh, 24
gauge, expanded metal or galvanised steel
woven wire cloth of 22 S.W.G. at about 6 mm
meshes.